Applying for jobs - NQT year

[anchovies]

Finished my first placement at Christmas (secondary science) and have signed up for the job alerts so I can start applying.

Can somebody explain how it works? A job has come through today that I'm not sure I would want but do I apply anyway just in case?

Thanks!

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

You can usually ask to visit the school / meet the head of department before applying. Call the school, explain you're interested in the job and ask for a visit. Treat the visit formally - wear smart clothes, be super polite, etc - and ask lots and lots of questions to work out if it's the job for you. Try to spend time in busy areas (canteen, corridors etc) at busy times (class changeovers, break etc) so that you get an idea of behaviour.

If you like the school, and want to apply, you'll generally have to fill in an application form and do a covering letter. If you're shortlisted you'll probably be asked to teach a lesson and do a formal interview. There might also be written tasks and/or a pupil panel.

Generally in teaching you'll be offered the job (or not) on the day of the interview, so you have to be absolutely sure by that point that it is a job you definitely want.

I hope that helps. Your PGCE course tutor should tell you more and the forum on the TES website has lots of info about applications.

Good luck.

[notnowImreading]

If you are a decent secondary teacher, hang on until the school you want comes up. There are always jobs and a good first school makes all the difference. We often recruit at around Easter or just after but there are often resignations just before May half term so there will be another wave of jobs in June. That is when the interviewers will be sweating and desperate to get somebody perky and sensible in (because teachers already in post won't be able to resign in time to start work in September) and a good NQT becomes the holy grail.

It doesn't mean you shouldn't apply earlier, but don't rush into a job you don't want just so you have a job lined up. Things will come up through the year.

[anchovies]

Thanks for all the tips. Have had no advice from the course at all so it is really appreciated.

A job came up at my placement school this morning (where I would love to work!) - I know I will have to really balls it up not to get it so the pressure is on!!

[chocoshopoholic]

If they're advertising now, do check if they're looking for an Easter or September start.

Some schools will compromise for the right NQT and have you start as soon as your course finishes (usually pay as unqualified until a pass is confirmed or until September).

[anchovies]

It's actually my mentors job! She text me this morning saying she'd handed her notice in on Thursday (they didn't hang about!) It's advertised as a September start so that is great news for me.

I don't suppose you have any pointers for applying for a school where you have done your placement. It's an advantage if you already the school's policies etc and fit into the department well but I'm not sure how to get this across!

[sj73]

I think may be pick out things that are specific to your school ie you really love the schools ethos/attitude towards inclusion. Pick out something in the T and L policy that you found really 'inspiring.' Say how much you enjoyed teaching the kids, relished the learning curve of being a tutor etc etc. oh and how you enjoyed being part of such a dynamic and cohesive team. (Cringe!)

[Nojustalurker]

Try reading the advice sections on tes.

[SummerSevern]

I got a job in my placement school (primary).
They'd just had an ofsted so I listened hard in staff meetings to pinpoint what their improvement priorities were and talked a lot about them in my interview. I tried to tie most of my answers to what issues the school had at the time.
I was also much more relaxed because I knew the interviewers (may have offered to show the Head my puppets ), but I don't know whether that'll apply so much in a secondary interview.

[ninah]

lol severn, I kept waffling on about my giant spoon!

[colander]

Primary teachers tend to have to visit the school, but secondary teachers don't need to bother usually. I am also secondary science - lovely to be teaching a shortage subject - if you are good then you may find you are able to pick and choose! I have been in the lucky position of being able to turn down schools I didn't like once I got to interview stage. Does depend on your area of the country though.

Good luck with the placement job. I would apply just as any other position. Even if they know you, you still need a fab application letter. Theo Griff on TES forums (fora?!) used to be very helpful. I haven't been on there since they changed the format - I am getting far to old to cope with new technology

Lastly, remember that once you have accepted the job verbally that's it - it is binding. You can't then keep looking, so make sure you are going to be happy at the school, and they have a sound NQT support structure, for at least a couple of years.